Hands-Free Shoulder Carrier for Children

ABSTRACT

A child carrier and support apparatus for securing a child in a seated position atop a wearer&#39;s shoulders comprising a chest strap sized for encirclement of a torso of a body of a wearer which employs means for encircled engagement within a passage of the ankle or the leg adjacent to the ankle, of both legs of a child, sitting upon the shoulders of the wearer, to provide a means for preventing the child from falling rearward. In at least one preferred mode the means for encircled engagement is provided by a pair of ankle engagements which are pivotally engaged to the chest strap.

This application is a continuation in part application from U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/691,095 filed on Nov. 30, 2012; which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/673,083filed on Jul. 18, 2012; and this application additionally claimspriority to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/457460 filed onJun. 10, 2013, all of the aforementioned which are respectivelyincorporated herein in their entirety, by this reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the carrying of children by adults andlarger persons than the carried child. More particularly the inventionrelates to a device configured to provide and interface between thecarrying person and the carried child and to provide hands-free but verysecure seating to a child occupying a seat atop the shoulders of anadult. The device provides a safer and more comfortable experience toboth child and the carrying-adult through the provision of strategicallypositioned and configured seat padding and retaining straps.

2. Prior Art

The carrying of children, especially toddlers, upon the shoulders of anadult or older sibling, has been a favorite mode of transport for thecarried child throughout history. For the child, it is a chance to seethe world from an entirely different perspective than walking, as wellas a chance to rest small legs which must work twice as hard to keep upwith walking adults.

For the adult carrying the child, it is a mode of carrying the child tokeep the child safe and above potential harm which might lurk on theground. For example, it is also very helpful when walking in crowdedplaces where the child may get stepped on or separated from the adult,like busy transportation terminals, amusement parks, etc. It is also aneasy manner to take control of the child's movement, without having toorder the child, since most children willingly and enthusiastically jumpat the chance to ride above the crowd on the parent's shoulders.

However, for child and carrying-adult alike, the duration the childoccupies the elevated position riding upon the shoulders, can beinversely proportional to the pleasurable nature of the ride to both.For the carrying adult, the weight of the child upon their shoulders,and need to use their hands to control and balance the child, can tendto cause muscle exertion and strain. Additionally, the compressivenature of the weight of the child bearing against the adults shoulderand neck muscles and bones, and the continual force of the child pullingon their head or neck to maintain themselves upright, can be a source ofpain and discomfort significant enough to cause a discontinuance of theride.

For the child, a bony adult can make for a rough ride. Further, forsmaller children who may lack the muscle strength and coordination tohold their backs erect and the legs properly positioned over theshoulder, the ride can be uncomfortable, unbalanced, and even scary.

This fear may not only be a problem with the child. The carrying adultof small children may be continually in fear of the child losing theirgrip or balance and sliding off or falling backward out of their line ofsight. Or, the non carrying adult walking with them may have the samefear since they have no feedback as to the child's dexterity and senseof balance. While carrying a child on ones shoulders has been practicedthroughout history, concern of the carrier, non carrier, and child, aswell as the duration of the ride, can cause the experience to be lessthan desirable.

Conventionally, carrying a child on the shoulders has often required theholding of the child's ankles by the carrier's hands, wherein the childis stabilized and generally prevented from falling backwards. However, aslip of the hands by the adult carrier while the child is leaningbackward can have serious results.

Moderately complicated framed carrying devices have also developed andbeen employed, wherein the child is placed in the framed carrying deviceand the carrying apparatus is fitted on the carrier's back or shoulders.An example can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,746,044; 6,098,856; and6,561,394.

However such conventional framed carrying devices are often heavy,cumbersome, and not easily portable. Further these and similar devicesunnecessarily fully support the back and upper body of the child, whenit is conventionally only required to secure the child at their ankles.In addition, these devices which fully support the child's back areintended for carrying young children or infants who may not have themuscle strength or coordination to support themselves in an uprightseated posture, however since they are substantially rigid, they canbecome a proverbial pain in the neck for the adult or carrying person.

As such there is a continuing and unmet need for a child carrier deviceemployable for carrying a child atop the shoulders of an adult or largerchild, which eliminates the need for a bulky, rigid, heavy andcumbersome frame. Such a device should still provides a secure andcomfortable ride for the adult and child. Such a device should employflexible members such as webbing type straps to provide a flexible yetsturdy framework which can be engaged about the users upper body andshoulders.

Further, such a device should employ means to secure the ankles of thechild when in the carrying position atop the users shoulders toeliminate the need to hold the ankles with upraised arms. Additionally,such a device should provide a seat configuration and child adultinterface, to further aid in wider distribution the weight load aboutthe users for improved comfort and ease of use. Further, in an as-usedposition, such a device should be hands free for the carrying adult,while extremely secure for the carried child thereby elevating anguishon the part of both. Still further, it is preferred that such a deviceshould be employable with young children who are developed enough tomaintain themselves in an upright seated posture without the aid of afull back rest.

Still further, such a device should be provided in both a full system offlexible members for carrier-engagement as well as a kit to retrofit theshoulder harnesses already owned and used by carrying adults such asbackpacks.

The forgoing examples of related art and limitation related therewithare intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not implyany limitations on the invention described and claimed herein. Variouslimitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled inthe art upon a reading and understanding of the specification below andthe accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device herein disclosed and described provides a solution to theshortcomings in prior art and achieves the above noted goals through theprovision of child carrier and securement device for providing secureand comfortable seating to a child occupying a seat atop the shouldersof an adult.

In accordance with one preferred mode, the carrier and securement deviceare comprised from a flexible strap member configured for a securedas-used positioning in an engagement around the upper chest or bust ofthe adult user. The flexible member forming the chest strap may beformed from conventional materials such as fabric or fabric webbinghowever can be formed of any material suitable for the purposes setforth in this disclosure.

Further, in the mode where the flexible members are provided, the cheststrap may be padded or otherwise cushioned to provide additional comfortto the adult user. To accommodate various chest sizes, the strapsforming the flexible members' engagement, may be length-adjustable andemploy fasteners to allow the user to easily engage and disengage thedevice from the as used position. Types of fasteners may include plasticfasteners, snap fit, buckle, hook and loop fasteners, and otherssuitable fasteners known in the art such as any suitable cooperativefastener from the GRAINGER catalog.

In another preferred mode of the device, the chest strap is adjustablevia a tightening or loosening of a distal end of the strap relative thebuckle or other fastener. This adjustability can be compared to thatemployed in conventional backpack shoulder straps, and the like.However, additional utility is provided in that the distal end ofadjustable strap may be form in a substantially T-shaped cross section,similar to that found in M.O.L.L.E (Modular Lightweight Load-carryingEquipment) straps. In this mode, after securing the buckle or otherfastener, the distal end of the strap can be communicated back over thebuckle and secured to the opposite side of the chest strap and provide aredundant safety securement of the chest strap around the user's chest.

In yet another preferred mode, the device features a pillow interfacewhich is adapted for secure engagement with the seat of a seated childon the shoulders of a carrying person or adult, in the as-used positionof the device. This pillow features an upper surface contoured toprovide a recess for the posterior of the seated child, whichcommunicates with parallel leg recesses. Channels are formed in thepillow for communication of the flexible members therethrough to therebyhold the pillow in a position behind the neck of the carrying person.The pillow may be employed with any mode of the flexible members orstrap-engageable ankle securement components or members.

The device additionally includes ankle securement members which as notedherein, may be provided for use in combination with provided flexiblesecurement members, or, may be removably engaged to the user's existingstrap or flexible member device adapted for shoulder engagement, such asa backpack. These ankle securement members provide a means to secure theankles and legs of the carried child abutting the chest of the user whenthe device is in the as-used mode where the device is engaged about thechest or upper torso of the adult user, or child-carrying person, andwith the child in a conventional seated position atop the usersshoulders. These ankle securement members are configured to removablyengaged about the ankles or legs of the child's feet using cooperativefasteners on opposing distal ends of each ankle securement member. Soengaged around the lower leg of the child adjacent the foot, this willeliminate the requirement for the user or carrier to hold the child'sankles with their hands and with their arms elevated, as isconventionally done to stabilize and prevent the child from fallingbackwards. So engaged to the legs of the child, and also engaged to aflexible member provided, or of another device such as a backpack, theankle securement member will provide comparable if not greater legsecurement than that of an adult user gripping by hand. Thus, the devicein the as-used position, provides a ‘hands free’ securement device for achild positioned atop the users shoulders.

In accordance with another preferred mode of the device, a seatingcomponent configuration is provided on the back of the device, andtherefor on the back of the users when in the as used mode. The seatingcomponent is engaged to the flexible members in a position opposite theankle securement members. In this mode the seating component may beformed from a flexible material such as textile fabric, or moldedmaterial, or the like. The seating component is preferably contoured toprovide an ergonomic seating arrangement for the child, like a type ofsaddle.

Those skilled in the art will recognize various ergonomic seatingconfigurations, shapes, and contours may be formed and are suitable forthe intended purpose, and all such seating configurations providing arecessed positioning of a child seated behind the head of a carryingperson, are anticipated and considered part of this disclosure. Thesaddle type configuration of the seating component will providecomfortable seating for the child without the need to provide a fullback support, such that the child uses their back muscles to maintain anupright seating which also provides exercise and eliminates thepossibility that the back support can rub or irritate on the child.However, in other modes if desired, the seating component couldadditionally be provided with a full back support extending verticallyfrom the rear edge of the pillow or seat.

The seating component preferably engages with a member engaged to, orto, shoulder securement straps, which extend from the front of the cheststrap and ankle securement members to an operative engagement with theseat. The flexible members or straps may be padded or otherwisecushioned on one or both sides to provide comfort for both the carryingadult and seated child.

The shoulder straps, if provided with the ankle securement members, maybe length-adjustable. In one preferred mode, the exposed surface of theshoulder straps have a surface which is concaved. This concave surfacearea can be provided by formed padding which is concaved and provides ameans for registered positioning and padded engagement of the seatedchild's legs hanging over the adult's chest. This recessed andregistered leg positioning provides comfort to the seated child overprolonged seating since their legs will not be rested against a raisedor otherwise protruding surface of the strap. Further, the child's legsare maintained in an aligned position with the ankle securement memberswithout having to use the leg muscles.

The disclosed seating component is configured in a type of backpackconfiguration with the provided straps, or when employed with the userdevice having straps, such that the weight of the child positioned inthe seat, is advantageously communicated to the shoulder straps andchest strap, and away from the users neck. Therefor the device providesa means to communicate the load of the weight of the carried child, tothe entire upper body and eliminate the stress and strain conventionallyimparted on the user neck and back when carrying a child on theirshoulders.

In accordance with at least one preferred mode of the invention, theankle securement members are provided by elongated flexible strapsformed to substantially U-shaped members having hooked distal ends orother cooperative fasteners thereon. The members are preferably formedfrom a flexible plastic or other suitable material. In use, the child'sankles or other leg portion are engageable into the U-shaped membersthrough a slight or moderate inward flexure of the distal ends.Securement is preferred in the manner of the hooked distal ends whichtend to resist an outward flexure therefor resisting disengagement ofthe child's ankles from the U-shaped members. However, disengagement canbe accomplished by the adult user flexing the hooked ends outward, or byother cooperative fasteners which resist unaided detachment.

Further, in yet another preferred mode, the U-shaped members, orflexible ankle securement members, may be rotatably engaged to theflexible shoulder or chest straps. This means for rotational engagementallows the child to maintain a natural leg angular position which may beslightly or moderately angled relative the vertical. Rotatablyengagement can be accomplished by a swivel fastener, rotatableengagement with a rivet, or other suitable means for rotationalengagement of the ankle securement member to the strap.

Still further, in yet another preferred mode, the ankle securementmembers can be provided straps having releasable cooperative fasteners.The straps may be padded or otherwise cushioned to provide additionalcomfort to the child. The releasable fasteners can be any suitablefastener such as buckle, hook and loop fasteners, or the like. This modemay be employed where the device is provided with the flexible membersfor chest and shoulder securement, or, where the ankle securementmembers are provided for engagement to the user's existing strappeddevice such as a backpack.

In all modes of the device, the ankle securement members may be engagedto one or both of the chest strap and shoulder straps or to componentscommunicating therewith. So engaged, the ankle securement members mustmaintain the lower leg of the child seated on the user's shoulders,adjacent to the front of the user's body.

With respect to the above description, before explaining at least onepreferred embodiment of the herein disclosed invention in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and to the arrangement of the components inthe following description or illustrated in the drawings. The inventionherein described is capable of other embodiments and of being practicedand carried out in various ways which will be obvious to those skilledin the art. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein are for the purpose of description andshould not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying outthe several purposes of the present disclosed device. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstruction and methodology insofar as they do not depart from thespirit and scope of the present invention.

As used in the claims to describe the various inventive aspects andembodiments, “comprising” means including, but not limited to, whateverfollows the word “comprising”. Thus, use of the term “comprising”indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, but thatother elements are optional and may or may not be present. By“consisting of” is meant including, and limited to, whatever follows thephrase “consisting of”. Thus, the phrase “consisting of” indicates thatthe listed elements are required or mandatory, and that no otherelements may be present. By “consisting essentially of” is meantincluding any elements listed after the phrase, and limited to otherelements that do not interfere with or contribute to the activity oraction specified in the disclosure for the listed elements. Thus, thephrase “consisting essentially of” indicates that the listed elementsare required or mandatory, but that other elements are optional and mayor may not be present depending upon whether or not they affect theactivity or action of the listed elements.

It is an object of the present invention provide a comfortable andhands-free seating of a child atop an adult users shoulder.

It is another object to transfer the weight of the child atop the usersshoulder away from the users head and neck.

It is another object of the invention to provide releasable anklesecurement members for securing a child's lower legs and feet abuttingor adjacent to the users chest in the as-used mode.

It is a further object of the invention to be employable with a providedflexible member harness, or to be configured to engage existing strappeddevices for use in combination therewith.

It is yet a further object of the invention, to provide a paddedinterface between the recess occupied by the posterior of the child, andthe user's neck and shoulders.

These and other objects features, and advantages of the presentinvention, as well as the advantages thereof over existing prior art,which will become apparent from the description to follow, areaccomplished by the improvements described in this specification andhereinafter described in the following detailed description which fullydiscloses the invention, but should not be considered as placinglimitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a partof the specification, illustrate some, but not the only or exclusive,examples of embodiments and/or features. It is intended that theembodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be consideredillustrative of the invention herein, rather than limiting. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a first particularly preferred mode of thesecurement device in the as used position on a user.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the device if FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the device of FIG. 1 in the as used positionon a user.

FIG. 5 a depicts a top view of a first particularly preferred mode ofthe ankle engagement members.

FIG. 5 b shows a front view of the mode of the ankle member of FIG. 5 a.

FIG. 6 a depicts a top view of another particularly preferred mode ofthe ankle engagement members having a flexure portion.

FIG. 6 b shows a front view of the mode of the ankle member of FIG. 6 a.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of another particularly preferred mode of thecarrier and securement device employing a seating component in the asused position on a user.

FIG. 8 shows a detailed front view of the device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the device of FIG. 7 in the as used mode.

FIG. 10 shows a detailed side view of the device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 shows a view of yet another particularly preferred mode of thedevice having padded straps and ankle securement members, also showing apreferred ergonomic seat and shoulder strap configuration.

FIG. 12 shows a view of still yet another particularly preferred mode ofthe device without ankle securement members, and employing means forredundant securement the of the chest strap to the users bust for safetypurposes.

FIG. 13 shows a detail view of the means for redundant safety securementemploying MOLLE style strap ends.

FIG. 14 depicts a particularly preferred mode of the shoulder-positionedpad or pillow interface having leg and posterior engaging recesses, andchannels formed for strap engagement.

FIG. 15 depicts a mode of the device configured for engagement to astrapped shoulder carrier such as a backpack.

FIG. 16 depicts a rear view of the pair of strap-engageable flexibleankle restraining members of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 shows a top plan view of a clip member configured for anengagement with an existing strap of a shoulder-engaged carrying devicesuch as a backpack.

FIG. 18 shows an end view of the device of FIG. 17 and the side openingsized for translation of a strap therein.

FIG. 19 depicts a mode of the device which is built into a backpack orthe like where the leg or ankle restraints are slidably located on theshoulder straps and the pillow or pad would be positioned or part of thetop of the backpack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In this description, the directional prepositions of up, upwardly, down,downwardly, front, back, top, upper, bottom, lower, left, right andother such terms refer to the device as it is oriented and appears inthe drawings and are used for convenience only; they are not intended tobe limiting or to imply that the device has to be used or positioned inany particular orientation.

Now referring to drawings in FIGS. 1-18, wherein similar components areidentified by like reference numerals, there is seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2,FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, respective views of a first particularly preferredmode of the child carrier and securement device 10. As shown in FIGS. 1and 4 the device 10 is situated in the as-used mode engaged around thebust 102 of a user 100 who would be an adult or an adolescent largeenough to comfortably support a child.

The device 10 includes a first flexible member defining the chest strap12 which may be length adjustable, and includes a cooperatively engagingsecuring fastener 14 as a means for engagement of the first end of thechest strap 12 to the second end thereof. The fastener 14 may be atwo-piece complimentary metal or plastic fastener where one componentcooperatively engages the other, or any other suitable fastener known inthe art for the secure engagement of distal ends of a strap to eachother. Such means for strap fastening can include snap fits, two-piecemating snaps or clips, buckles, hooks and other strap fastening meansadapted to provide removable, adjustable engagement of one end of thestrap to the other. The various components of the device disclosedherein can be formed of conventional materials such as fabric, webbing,plastic, however can be formed of any material suitable for the purposesset forth in this disclosure.

The device 10 additionally includes flexible leg or ankle securementmembers 16, engaged with a flexible mounting member 17 extending from afirst end engagement with the chest strap 12. The securement members 16are engaged with a mounting member 17 engaged to the chest strap 12 torespective positions adapted to comfortably engage the ankles orportions of the legs adjacent to the ankles of a siting child, in aproper biomechanical posture and provide a means for encircledengagement thereof which is connected to the chest strap 12.

In an as-used engagement of the device 10, with the chest strap 12 sizedfor an encircled engagement with the torso of a wearer between the waistand shoulders, a child seated atop the users shoulders, extends theirlegs over the users chest, which situates the child's feet, a distancebelow the top edge of the user's shoulder. The securement members 16 areconfigured to engage around a portion of each of the legs, at oradjacent to the ankles adjacent the child's feet, to eliminate the needfor the user to grab the child's leg adjacent to or at the angles byhand to provide securement. So engaged, the securement members 16 holdthe child's legs against the wearer's torso and provide a means forpreventing a rearward fall of the child, especially when the childremoves his hands from the wearer's person.

Additionally, because the mounting member 17 is mounted at only a firstend to the chest strap 12, whether formed of flexible or resilientmaterial, it can act as a pivoting engagement to allow an angledpositioning (A1 of FIG. 3) of the securement members 16, relative to therelatively perpendicular line (A of FIG. 3) which would be the case ifthe mounting members 17 were mounted on two ends, directly to the frontof the chest strap 12. Since the mode of the device of FIGS. 1-6 wouldfrequently be employed for an older child who has sufficient balance andcoordination to keep themselves more secure atop the shoulders of thewearer, the pivoting mount providing the angled positioning of themounting members 17 provides a means to align the axis of the internalcavity of the strap members 16 with the incoming angled lower leg of thechild.

Thus the pivoting mounting members 17 accommodate kids with longer legswho may have to angle their lower leg, below the knee to properlyposition their legs adjacent the ankles within the securement members16. The angled positioning represented by line A1 of FIG. 3, shows theangle the mounting member 17 will pivot to assume to provide an axialpathway within the strap members 17 for such a child with long legs.

Because this mode of the device 10, provides a much more comfortable fitto the child-user, it will encourage use and will prevent chaffing andskin irritation the strap members 16 might cause on a child if notpivotally engaged by the hinge-like angling of the mounting member 17.

Still further, in a preferred mode of the securement members 16 employedwith device 10 shown in FIG. 5 a and FIG. 5 b, the securement members 16for the legs adjacent the ankles, which are secured to a mounting member17 as in FIGS. 1-4, or other mounts as in FIGS. 7-13, are formed bysubstantially U-shaped individual securement members 16. The opposingsecurement members 16 as shown, employ means of engagement such as anarc or hooked distal ends 18, 20, forming a gap 22 extendingtherebetween. The hooked distal ends are formed by an arced section ateach distal end, which sections of the distal edge of each distal endfacing toward the front of the torso or body of the wearer slightly.

In this mode, the ankle or leg securement members 16 are preferablyformed from a flexible member made of a polymer or plastic such aspolypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or other suitable material. In use,the child's ankles or adjacent leg portion are positionable through agap 22 narrower than the width of the child or rider's leg, only byimparting force to the leg to push it through the narrower gap 22between the distal end 18, 20, or by a spreading of the strap members 16by the wearer. The leg moving in the gap in a direction toward thewearer, can more easily can separate the two distal ends and enlarge thegap 22 to the second or larger size to slip therethrough.

However, when the rider or child's leg is encircled by the two curvedstrap members 16, a force from the rider's leg in a direction away fromthe wearer's torso, in turn communicates leg force to both distal edgesat the terminating distal ends the strap members 16 since the gap in thefirst position, is smaller than their leg width. The contact of theirleg with the surfaces of the distal edges or ends at the ends of thehooked portions, causes a slight flexure of the hooked portion of thedistal ends 18, 20, but in an inline direction away from the leg forcecontacting it. This contact makes it harder for the leg of the rider toseparate the opposing members 16 and slide out of the passage orencircled engagement between them.

However, an outward flexure of the central portions of both members 16,in the area between their engagement to the mount, and the hookedportion distal ends, can be accomplished by a biasing of the two membersin opposite directions by the hands of the wearer, or with extra forceby the leg of the rider. The resulting flexure of the distal ends 18 and20, and for larger legs the central area of the members 16, provides ameans for increasing the size of the gap 22, to accommodate the child'sleg area adjacent to their ankle, during ingress to the area surroundedby the interior surface of both members 16.

The flexible material forming the U-shaped members 16 is preferablyresilient but elastic in nature such as molded polyethylene orpolypropylene, or other resilient but flexible under force materials. Asa consequence, the biasing effect of the material to return to itsoriginal configuration, will then act to restore the members 16 to theiroriginally formed relative positions, wherein the gap 22 is narrowerthan the width of the child rider's leg at or near the ankle such asfrom 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches.

Means for maintaining the legs secure from accidental disengagement andwithin the circular or oval area between the members 16, is provided bythe hooked configuration with the distal ends 18 and 20 curving backtoward the central portion of the respective body of the members 16 asin FIGS. 5 a and 6 a. Curved even so slightly to thereby position thedistal tips of the distal ends 18 and 20 as the first contact point withthe leg of a rider, the distal ends 18, 20 tend to resist the force in adirection away from the wearer's body, required for an outward flexurewhich would increase the gap 22 size.

Consequently, curving the distal ends 18 and 20 such that the distaltips are the first contact point during disengagement of a leg from themembers 16, provides a means to prevent accidental disengagement of thechild's ankles from the U-shaped members. In cases where the child can'tlean forward and pull the members 16 in opposite directions to increasethe gap, leg disengagement can be accomplished through the aid of anadult user who will impart force to pull apart the members 16 and/orhooked ends 18, 20, in opposite directions, to thereby temporarilyincrease the size of the gap 22 to one larger than the diameter of thechild's leg.

In another preferred mode of the ankle members 16, providing additionalcomfort to the rider and wearer alike, which can be employed in allmodes of the device herein, the ankle members 16, are rotatably engagedto the device 10 such as the mount 17 or the chest strap 12 where soconfigured. The ability to rotate the members 16 surrounding the child'sleg during engagement therein, provides a means for the child tocomfortably maintain a more natural biomechanical leg position. Whensitting on the shoulders of the wearer, the child's legs may be slightlyor moderately angled vertically, in radial directions around the centerof each pair of members 16. This occurs when the legs of the rider orchild are angled outward around the head of the wearer such that theirknees are spaced from each other a distance wider than the spacing ofthe pairs of mount.

The rotatable or pivoting engagement of each pair of members 16, attheir mounting point to the device 10, allows them to pivot and radiallyposition the axial passage running through each pair of members 16, tomatch the line running through a sitting child's leg from their knee. Asecure rotating or pivoting engagement can be accomplished by a swivelfastener 24, or similar rotatable rivet and aperture engagement, afastener having an axle and bearing, or other suitable means forrotatable engagement.

FIG. 6 a and FIG. 6 b shows views of another particularly preferred modeof the ankle securement members 16 additionally including a flexureportion 26. The flexure portion 26 may be formed as shown to provide ameans for biasing the distal ends 18, and 20, toward each other to aretracted or closed position to provide additional securement tomaintain the gap 22 smaller than the diameter of the child's leg orankle.

Additionally providing a flexure means also to allows the gap 22 to beeasily increased by moving the two members 16 in opposite directions byan adult when needed. The flexure portion 26 may be provided by anaccordion style folding of the ankle member 16 as shown, or other means.For example, the flexure portion 26 can be provide by a portion offlexible fabric, rubber, or the like.

FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 shows views of yet anotherparticularly preferred mode of the child carrier and securement device10 employing the provisions of the previous mode of the device 10 andadditionally including a seating component 30. The seat 30 may be formedfrom a flexible and durable fabric, such that the device 10 can befolded or stored in a relatively small storage volume, however provide asecured seating configuration for a child when in the as used mode. Inother modes of the device 10 shown in later figures, the seat 30 may bepadded as well as ergonomically contoured as needed. As is shown theseating component 30 is engaged to the chest strap 12 by at least oneshoulder strap 28. Further, it is preferred that the ankle members 16are engaged to the shoulder strap 28 as this configurationconventionally registers with the natural leg position of a child seatedatop the users shoulders 104, or in the alternative, pivoting pairs ofangle members 16 are employed to allow for angled engagement through thepaired leg members 16 when the child's legs approach at an angle.However, other suitable configurations may be employed and areanticipated.

It is optional but preferred that the seat 30 includes a back strap 32which engages the back of the seat 30 to the back of the chest strap 12.This will substantially increase the securement of the child in the seat30 by limiting the vertical and horizontal motion of the seat 30 on theusers shoulders at is restrained. The back strap 32 may also include areleasable fastener such as hook and loop fabric, or may be unitarilyformed with the seat 30 and chest strap 12 by sewing, stitching, orother means.

The device 10 is configured to greatly reduce the stress and strainconventionally imparted on a users neck and back when carrying a childatop their shoulders by transmitting a substantial amount of thestresses to the shoulder straps 28 and chest strap 12. As such an adultcan carry a child in such a position for longer and with much morecomfort.

Additional securement and comfort may be provided by the modes of thedevice 10 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. In FIG. 12, there is shown yetanother particularly preferred mode of the device 10 having a seat 30which is substantially contoured 31 having a lower mid section and arear portion 31 higher in elevation than the mid section, or otherwiseformed to the ergonomics of a sitting child. In this manner the seat 30may take the form of a saddle or other such configuration. It is notedthat those skilled in the art may recognize other contours, shapes, andconfiguration of the seat 30 to provide comfortable and ergonomicseating, and is anticipated. A rear portion 31 higher than the sunkenmid portion, provides a means to prevent the child from fallingbackwards easily as it supports the lower back and is thus preferred,especially if the ankle members 16 are not employed.

Further, there is shown another preferred mode of the shoulder straps 28which may be substantially padded or otherwise cushioned to provideadded comfort. Additionally, it is clearly shown and preferred that atleast one surface of the shoulder straps 28 are substantially concaved36. This concavity 36 of the shoulder straps provides a means for aregistered engagement of a seated child's legs extending over the userschest and inline with the shoulder straps 28. This is especiallypreferred since the child's legs can comfortably rest on the concavesurface 36 without the discomfort of any protruding shoulder strap 28material, and it provides better support during quick movements of thewearer to prevent a dismount of the rider. The concave surface 36 may beformed by inserting concave planar supports of polymer or plasticmaterial into pockets in the formed strap material which may be seatbelt type webbing formed or narrow weave nylon or polyester material.

Still further, yet another preferred mode of the ankle securementmembers 16 are shown herein formed as releasable straps. The anklemembers 16 may be padded, and include a releasable fastener 34 such as abuckle or the like which will provide a means for removable securedengagement of the child's legs or ankles therein. In addition, the anklemembers 16 may be permanently or removably engaged to the shoulder 28and chest straps 12 via sewing or hook and loop fastener respectively,or other suitable means.

The adjustability of the chest strap 12 in the current mode is providedby an adjustable strap 38 which can be lengthened or shortened relativethe secured fastener 14 being, for example, a conventional buckle asshown. Added utility is provided in that the distal end of theadjustment strap 38 can be tucked or otherwise secured within a passage40 formed between the distal end of the shoulder strap 28 and the cheststrap 12. The passage 40 can be formed by stitching or otherwiseengaging only the terminating end of the shoulder strap 28 to the cheststrap 12 and leaving a portion of the shoulder strap 28 disengaged suchthat the distal end of the adjustment strap 38 can be tucked under.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show yet another particularly preferred mode of thedevice 10 wherein means for redundant safety securement of the cheststrap 12 are provided. This mode may or may not include ankle members16, however, in any mode of the device 10 previously it is preferred toinclude these provisions. As is shown the distal end 42 of theadjustment strap 38 is stitched, sewn, or otherwise formed into asubstantially T-shaped cross section, similar to conventional MOLLEstyle straps. As such, after engaging the securing fastener 14 of thechest strap 12, the distal end 42 of the adjustment strap 38 can becommunicated back over the fastener 14 and tucked in an engagement withthe passage 40 formed on that side. Therefor, in the event of anaccidental disengagement of the fastener 14, the adjustment strap 38will provide an additional means for maintaining the chest strap 12 in asecured engagement until the user can re-engage the fastener 14.

FIG. 14 depicts a particularly preferred mode of theshoulder-positionable pad or pillow providing a seat 30 which providesan interface between the posterior of the child and the adult orcarrying person. As depicted in the preferred mode, the seat 20 has achannel 51 communicating into the lower end of the seat 30 to allowstraps 28 (FIG. 10 or 15) to communicate through the channel 51, intoand out of the seat 30, on the lower side, opposite the upper sidedepicted in FIG. 14. The upper side shown, has preferred recesses 53configured to fit to and accommodate the legs and posterior of the childin the seat 30. The recesses 53 render the seated child more securelypositioned on the top of the seat 30, since exterior edges 55 are formedwhich better hold the child in the recesses 53 and keep the occupantfrom sliding off the seat 30. The occupant of the seat 30 is thus in asaddled position and secure. This is especially helpful when the user oradult is bending or running or otherwise moving where the child canbecome dismounted due to the forces of movement.

FIG. 15 depicts a mode of the device 10 configured for removableengagement to the straps 28 of a strapped shoulder carrier such as abackpack 60 (FIG. 19). The ankle members 16 for securing the child'slegs are removably engaged with the straps 28 of the existing backpack60 using means for slidable removable engagement. In the currentpreferred mode of the device 10 for such strap 28 engagement, clips 43are engaged to the flexible material forming the ankle members 16 whichare slidably engageable upon the straps 28. A centrally located strap 28is secured with fasteners 14 to impart a bias against the clips 43 in adirection toward each other when engaged on the straps 28 from theoutside edge. This inward bias prevents the clips 43 from sliding offthe outside edge of the straps 28 thereby holding both ankle members 16securely and maintaining the straps 28 in a substantially fixed distancefrom each other concurrently.

FIG. 16 depicts a rear view of the pair of strap-engageable flexibleankle restraining members 16 of FIG. 15. As shown, straps 13 andcooperative fasteners 14 provided a means for encircled engagement ofthe legs of the child with the body of the ankle restrain 16. The straps13 may be elastic to provided a biased encircled engagement if desired.Also shown are the rear of the clips 43 engaged to the body of therestraining members 16.

FIGS. 17-18 show views of the clip 43 and the attachment points 45 wherea rivet or grommet or sewing or other means of attachment to the body ofthe restraints 16 may be employed. Also shown is the gap 47 allowinginsertion of the outside edge of both respective straps 28 into theclips 43. Member configured for an engagement with an existing strap ofa shoulder engaged device such as a backpack. Fabric engaging pins 48are provided inside the gap 47 to form a removable contact with thefabric forming the straps 28.

FIG. 19 depicts a mode of the device 10 which is built into a backpack60 or other shoulder carrying device with straps 28. In this mode of thedevice 10, the leg or ankle restraint members 16 providing legsecurement, are slidably located using a track 37 on the shoulder straps28, and the pillow or pad forming a seat 30 can be positioned upon, orbe formed as part of the top of the backpack 60. A collar encircling thestraps 28 might also be used for a slidably engageable means forengagement of the restraints 16 to the straps 28.

It is noted and anticipated that although the device is shown in itsmost simple form, various components and aspects of the device may bedifferently shaped or slightly modified when forming the inventionherein. As such those skilled in the art will appreciate thedescriptions and depictions set forth in this disclosure or merely meantto portray examples of preferred modes within the overall scope andintent of the invention, and are not to be considered limiting in anymanner.

This invention has other applications, potentially, and one skilled inthe art could discover these. The explication of the features of thisinvention does not limit the claims of this application; otherapplications developed by those skilled in the art will be included inthis invention.

While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of theinvention have been shown and described herein, with reference toparticular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, variouschanges and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure andit will be apparent that in some instances, some features of theinvention may be employed without a corresponding use of other featureswithout departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. Itshould also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, andvariations may be made by those skilled in the art without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the invention.

Consequently, all such modifications and variations and substitutionsare included within the scope of the invention as defined by thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A child carrier apparatus providing secure seating for a child, atop a wearer's shoulders, comprising; at least one elongated strap having two ends; said elongated strap sized for an encircled engagement with a body of a wearer, to an as-used position with a frontal portion of said elongated strap extending across the chest of said wearer; means for encircled removable engagement, of portions of both legs, of a child sitting upon the shoulders of said wearer; said means for encircled removable engagement of said portions of both legs, in a secure communication to said frontal portion of said elongated strap; whereby said portions of respective said legs of said child, sitting on said wearer's shoulders, with said elongated strap in said encircled removable engagement, provides a restraint preventing said legs from movement in a direction away from said frontal portion of said elongated strap, thereby preventing said legs from rising above said shoulders and concurrently preventing said child from falling from said secure seating.
 2. The child carrier apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for encircled removable engagement, of portions of both legs of a child sitting upon the shoulders of said wearer, comprises: a pair of securement straps, each of said securement straps in a secure communication to said frontal portion of said elongated strap; means for engagement of end portions of said securement straps to each other, or to said frontal portion of said elongated strap, said engagement of said end portions forming a passage surrounded by respective said securement member; and each said respective passage forming a respective said encircled removable engagement with said frontal portion of said elongated strap.
 3. The child carrier apparatus of claim 2, additionally comprising: said elongated strap in said as-used position, encircling the torso of said wearer's body in a horizontal disposition, parallel with an imaginary line extending across said shoulders of said wearer.
 4. The child carrier apparatus of claim 2, additionally comprising: a pair of said elongated straps; one each of said securement straps, in a said secure communication to said frontal portion of a respective one of said pair of elongated straps; said pair of elongated straps, each of said pair of elongated straps in said as-used position, extending in a vertical disposition and forming a said encircled engagement around opposite shoulders of said wearer; and one each of said securement straps in a said secure communication to a respective one each of said pair of elongated straps.
 5. The child carrier apparatus of claim 4, additionally comprising: said secure communication of each respective one of said securement straps to a said elongated strap being a slidable engagement providing for a translation of each respective said securement strap to multiple positions along a respective said frontal portion, of each of said pair of elongated straps; said translation to said multiple positions providing an adjustment of a respective positioning of said securement straps closer to, or further from, said shoulder of said wearer; and said adjustment of said respective positioning of said securement straps repositioning said encircled removable engagement of each respective leg of said child to accommodate longer or shorter said legs.
 6. The child carrier apparatus of claim 1, additionally comprising: a pillow having a first side surface opposite a second side surface; said first side surface configured for contact against the shoulders and a neck therebetween of said wearer; said pillow in an attachment to said elongated strap, said attachment maintaining said pillow atop said shoulders when in said as-used position; and a depression formed in said second side surface, said depression defining a shoulder surrounding said depression; and said depression providing a seating surface for said child wherein said shoulder portion prevents said child from sliding from said seating surface.
 7. The child carrier apparatus of claim 2, additionally comprising: a pillow having a first side surface opposite a second side surface; said first side surface configured for contact against the shoulders and a neck therebetween of said wearer; said pillow in an attachment to said elongated strap, said attachment maintaining said pillow atop said shoulders when in said as-used position; and a depression formed in said second side surface, said depression defining a shoulder surrounding said depression; and said depression providing a seating surface for said child wherein said shoulder portion prevents said child from sliding from said seating surface.
 8. The child carrier apparatus of claim 3, additionally comprising: a pillow having a first side surface opposite a second side surface; said first side surface configured for contact against the shoulders and a neck therebetween of said wearer; said pillow in an attachment to said elongated strap, said attachment maintaining said pillow atop said shoulders when in said as-used position; and a depression formed in said second side surface, said depression defining a shoulder surrounding said depression; and said depression providing a seating surface for said child wherein said shoulder portion prevents said child from sliding from said seating surface.
 9. The child carrier apparatus of claim 4, additionally comprising: a pillow having a first side surface opposite a second side surface; said first side surface configured for contact against the shoulders and a neck therebetween of said wearer; said pillow in an attachment to said elongated strap, said attachment maintaining said pillow atop said shoulders when in said as-used position; and a depression formed in said second side surface, said depression defining a shoulder surrounding said depression; and said depression providing a seating surface for said child wherein said shoulder portion prevents said child from sliding from said seating surface.
 10. The child carrier apparatus of claim 5, additionally comprising: a pillow having a first side surface opposite a second side surface; said first side surface configured for contact against the shoulders and a neck therebetween of said wearer; said pillow in an attachment to said elongated strap, said attachment maintaining said pillow atop said shoulders when in said as-used position; and a depression formed in said second side surface, said depression defining a shoulder surrounding said depression; and said depression providing a seating surface for said child wherein said shoulder portion prevents said child from sliding from said seating surface.
 11. The child carrier apparatus of claim 4, additionally comprising: each of said pair of elongated straps in operative engagement with a backpack.
 12. The child carrier apparatus of claim 5, additionally comprising: each of said pair of elongated straps in operative engagement with a backpack.
 13. The child carrier apparatus of claim 9, additionally comprising: each of said pair of elongated straps in operative engagement with a backpack.
 14. The child carrier apparatus of claim 10, additionally comprising: each of said pair of elongated straps in operative engagement with a backpack.
 15. A secure seating child carrier apparatus engageable with the shoulder straps of a backpack-type carrier worn by a wearer, comprising: a pair of securement straps, each of said securement straps adapted for a secure engagement with one respective said shoulder strap; means for engagement of each respective said securement strap, to an encircled removable engagement, with a respective portion of a respective leg a child sitting upon the shoulders of said wearer, whereby, said encircled removable engagement with said portions of respective said legs of said child sitting on said wearer's shoulders, provides a restraint preventing said legs from movement in a direction away from said shoulder straps, thereby preventing said legs from rising above said shoulders and concurrently preventing said child from falling from said secure seating. 